The State of California is calling for help and Arizona is ready to answer that call.
Recently, the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management received multiple orders for personnel and equipment to head to California to help with more than a dozen fires burning there, including the two largest, the Carr and Ferguson fires.
As of today, nearly 75 engines and 375 fire personnel from Arizona, including crews from Golder Ranch, Oracle, Globe and Superstition Fire Districts, are in California on various assignments. A majority of those crews will be directly assigned to the Carr and Ferguson Fires. Others will provide local fire department station coverage, some will be assigned as initial attack resources for new fire starts, and others will preposition in anticipation of the next round of lightning forecasted for California.
“These fires are taking out anything and everything in their way, taking lives and destroying property. The fires are burning at an alarming intensity and high rate of speed. California needs more boots on the ground and the state of Arizona is committed to sending all the resources we can. We will do everything possible to assist our neighbors, but we also have to be mindful we cannot thin our resources at home. Please keep all of our Arizona firefighters, and all of the men and women working these fires in your thoughts,” said State Forester Jeff Whitney.
The 98,000-acre Carr Fire, burning in Shasta County, has forced the evacuation of more than 30,000 residents and destroyed nearly 1,000 structures.
The Ferguson Fire, burning near Yosemite, is nearly 57,000 acres and is 30% contained.
Arizona firefighters are also supporting other states, including Montana, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington.